Mr AUSTIN CHAPMAN
- The answers to the honorable member's questions are as follow : -

1.
The Postmaster-General is aware that tele graph offices in South Australia open at 3.30 a.m., and close at 7.30 p.m. local time, which hours correspond to 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. respectively in the Eastern States, and that prior to the recent alteration in the hour of closing those offices in South Australia on Saturday, the hour of closing on that day was 5.30 p.m. instead of 7.30 p.m., as on other week days.

2.
It has already been stated, in answer to previous questions, that in other States the hours of closing on Saturday are the same as on other week days; South Australia was therefore not singled out for alteration as no similar change was required in other States.

3.
There was no invidious action, vide answer to question No. 2.

4.
The Postmaster-General is not prepared to revert to the arrangement under which telegraph offices in South Australia close two hours earlier on Saturdays than on other week days.